Proverbs 19:23 Meaning and Explanation
“The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Fearing the Lord leads to life, satisfaction, and protection from harm.
The Context of Proverbs 19:23
Reverence for God produces life, satisfaction, and divine protection.
What Does Proverbs 19:23 Mean?
'The fear of the LORD'—reverent awe, deep respect, and submission to God—is presented as tending toward life. This isn't moralistic language; it's practical: alignment with God's character and will leads to flourishing. The person who genuinely fears the Lord—who takes Him seriously and orders life accordingly—will 'abide satisfied,' experiencing contentment and wholeness. This satisfaction comes not from wealth alone but from right relationship with God.
The promise extends to protection: 'He shall not be visited with evil.' Not that tragedy never touches the righteous, but that the fundamental orientation of the God-fearing person toward good, toward wisdom, toward right living creates a buffer against the fullness of harm. Their life trajectory is toward abundance; they are not abandoned to destruction. The fear of the Lord is not paralyzing; it is liberating and life-giving.
Proverbs 19:23 in the Original Language
Yirat (יִרְאַת), 'fear of the LORD' — not terror but reverent awe, the deep recognition of God's holiness and our dependence on His goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 19:23
What does Proverbs 19:23 mean?
Fearing the Lord leads to life, satisfaction, and protection from harm.
What is the context of Proverbs 19:23?
Reverence for God produces life, satisfaction, and divine protection.